Actor Nana Patekar died on October 8 at his home in Dona Paula, Goa. In this case, Panaji Police has registered a case of unnatural death (UD) under section 194 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS). After this, Nana was cremated with state honors after sunset at his farmhouse in Pune. In such a situation, the question in the minds of people is that why was he given his last farewell at night instead of day? Explaining the reason for this, Nana Patekar’s son Malhar Patekar said that this accident happened to his father early in the morning and by then a lot of time had passed. Therefore the family decided to perform the last rites on the same day.
At the same time, in many beliefs of Hindu religion, it is not considered appropriate to perform cremation after sunset. According to Garun Purana, performing the last rites at night can hinder the journey of the deceased soul to the afterlife. In some religious beliefs it is also associated with suffering of the soul and obstruction in the path of salvation. For this reason, in case of death at night, many families keep the dead body safe and perform the last rites in the morning after sunrise.
Where was the funeral held?
After the death of Nana Patekar, necessary formalities were completed in Goa. After this, his mortal remains were taken to Pune, where he was cremated with full state honors after sunset at his farmhouse ‘Nanachi Wadi’. He is survived by his wife Neelkanti Patekar and son Malhar Patekar.
Son Malhar told the reason for the last rites at night
During the funeral of Nana Patekar, his son Malhar Patekar thanked the media present. During this, he was asked why the family decided to bid farewell at night instead of waiting for the morning. Did the family not want to wait for other film stars to arrive? On this Malhar said that there was no such thing. This incident with his father had happened early in the morning and a lot of time had passed. For this reason the family decided to perform the last rites on the same day.
Why cremation is not done at night?
In Hindu customs, there is generally a tradition of performing the last rites in daylight. In some beliefs related to Garuda Purana, it is believed that the gates of heaven close after sunset. Therefore, cremation should be done during the day.
Does the soul suffer?
According to religious beliefs, by performing the last rites after sunset, the soul of the deceased is feared to suffer in the next world.
What is the relation between defect in rebirth?
In some beliefs, it is also linked to the possibility of physical defects in the next life. For this reason many families choose the time after sunrise for the last rites.
What if someone dies at night?
If a person dies at night, many families preserve the body as per traditional customs and wait for the morning. After sunrise the last rites are performed with religious rituals. However, this is not possible in every situation. Sometimes, due to difficulty in keeping the dead body safe, bringing the body from a long distance or other important reasons, the family may have to change the timing.
When can cremation be performed at night?
In some special circumstances, the last rites may have to be performed even at night. For example, if it is not possible to keep the dead body safe till morning or it does not seem right to delay due to any medical reason. At such a time, the family can complete the last rites as per their customs and traditions. In some religious traditions, there is a belief in reciting peace and worship for the peace of the soul of the deceased person. Therefore, in every case it would not be right to consider cremation at night as inauspicious.